Published on December 3, 2023, 2:02 am

In the realm of Judaism, it is believed that guidance can be sought by examining world events through the weekly Torah readings; our current scenario aligns notably with Genesis 32:4-34:43. This seems particularly pertinent as hostilities in Israel surge anew.

The narrative from the Book of Genesis presents an uncanny parallel to current happenings in Israel. It recalls Dina’s plight at the hands of Shechem, a Hivite prince in Canaan, which bears striking resemblances to our current situation.

Shechem rapes Dina, prompting him to propose integration between Hebrews and Hivites via marriage with hopes of obliterating Jewish identity through intermarriage. In their vengeance, Simeon and Levi annihilate all supporting Hivites while they recover from circumcisions insisted upon as reparation for Dina’s honor. Consequently, God reassures Israel’s land promise to Jacob and his sons.

These historical parallels drawn from this Torah reading strikingly mirror recent occurrences since October 7th involving Hamas’ wrongdoings eerily replicating Shechem’s transgressions. The burgeoning crisis demands rigorous scrutiny cognizant of Scriptural implications infused with faith and courage similar to Simeon and Levi’s resolve.

Hamas, like Shechem and his followers, must ensure justice for their abhorrent misconduct. The lack of objection towards these transgressions within their ranks underscores a culture similar to that evident amongst the Hivites during Shechem’s reign, making collectives complicit in these crimes post factum.

Recent opinion polls underscore that only a handful Gazans denounce Hamas’ October 7th actions outrightly. This failure to oppose or remove them implicates them on grounds similar to Shechem’s accomplices in their share of guilt rooted in these tragedies – reinforcing that ensuring justice necessitates total elimination of Hamas.

Just as Jacob was rewarded regardless of his fears over global opinion, Israel must also prioritize moral responsibility over potential critique. History illuminates that subsequent to Simeon and Levi’s decisive actions, not only was God’s covenant to them reaffirmed, but they were bestowed with land once more with no foreign aggression – a salient lesson for present-day Israel.

Israel must remember universal truths – God’s perpetual reinforcement of His partnership with us and His promise of unending protection over our land provided we adhere to what is just. An eternal duty prevails to combat evil in the world which necessitates understanding that lasting peace through coexistence will prevail once Hamas’ threat is adequately neutralized.

The narratives from Scripture provide foresight despite any individual belief on its sanctity. The parallel drawn with the recent Hamas ceasefire violations indicates, undoubtedly, a path that needs following predicated on Scriptural wisdom. As battles intensify in Gaza yet again, future decisions should revolve around principles derived from Simeon and Levi’s courage and faith.

Regardless of Israel’s approach to addressing this conflict, it is paramount that the ultimate goal remains informed by these historical teachings: the ultimate dismantling of Hamas and a future imbued with enduring tranquility.

Through an amalgamation of real news drawn from trusted sources steeped in Judaic tradition and underpinned by Christian worldviews, these reflections mark a distinct pathway toward fostering peace in our tumultuous times.